Dr. Eck received a Bachelor of Science degree from the Catholic University of America in Biomedical Engineering, followed by a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from Marquette University. Following this he worked as a research engineer conducting spine biomechanics research. He then attended medical school at University of Health Sciences. He is board eligible in orthopaedic surgery.
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
The absolute amount of bone as measured by bone mineral density (BMD) testing
generally correlates with bone strength and its ability to bear weight. The BMD
is measured with a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry test (referred to as a DEXA
scan). By measuring BMD, it is possible to predict fracture risk in the same
manner that measuring blood pressure can help predict the risk of stroke.
It is important to remember that BMD cannot predict the certainty of
developing a fracture. It can only predict risk. It is also important to note
that a bone density scan, or test, should not be confused with a bone scan,
which is a nuclear medicine test in which a radioactive tracer is injected that
is used to detect tumors, cancer, fractures, and infections in the bone.
The World Health Organization has developed definitions for low bone mass (osteopenia)
and osteoporosis. These definitions are based on a T-score. The T-score is a
measure of how dense a patient's bone is compared to a normal, healthy
30-year-old adult.
Normal: A bone BMD is considered normal if the T-score is within 1 standard deviation of the normal young adult value. Thus a T-score between 0 and -1 is considered a normal result.
Low bone mass (medically termed
osteopenia): A BMD defines osteopenia as a T-score between -1 and -2.5. This signifies an increased fracture risk but does not meet the criteria for osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis: A BMD greater than 2.5 standard deviations from the normal (T score less than or equal to -2.5) defines osteoporosis.
Based on the above criteria, it is estimated that 40% of
all postmenopausal Caucasian women have osteopenia and that an additional 7%
have osteoporosis.
Learn about osteoporosis, a condition characterized by the loss of bone density, which leads to an increased risk of bone fracture. Unless one experiences a fracture, a person may have osteoporosis for decades without knowing it. Treatment for osteoporosis may involve medications that stop bone loss and increase bone strength and bone formation, as well as quitting smoking, regular exercise, cutting back on alcohol intake, and eating a calcium- and vitamin D-rich balanced diet.
Paget's disease is a chronic bone disorder due to irregular breakdown and formation of bone tissue. Symptoms of Paget's disease include bone pain, headaches and hearing loss, pressure on nerves, increased head size, hip pain, and damage to cartilage of joints.
Osteopenia is a bone condition characterized by bone loss that is not as severe as in osteoporosis. Bone fracture is the typical symptom of osteopenia, though the condition may be present without symptoms. Treatment involves lifestyle modifications (quitting smoking, not drinking in excess) and ensuring an adequate intake of vitamin D and calcium.
Turf toe is a sprain to the ligaments around the big toe joint. Symptoms and signs include pain, swelling, a popping sound, and limited range of motion. Treatment may involve taking ibuprofen, immobilizing with tape, cast, or a walking boot.
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